By Doug Needham, Michigan Aggregates Association
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources does a fantastic job managing land, forests and water across our great state. Locally, beautiful parks like the Brighton Recreation Area and Bishop Lake are fine examples of the DNR’s efforts to improve our quality of life.
Genoa Township is also home to the DNR’s Tree Improvement Center. At its nursery there, the state’s environmental experts have planted millions of trees over 50 years to help reforest areas around Michigan. The program is so beneficial to our state that they are now seeking to expand the nursery to neighboring property, also owned by the DNR, for the planting of Jack Pine and Red Pine trees. This not only helps our environment, but also increases habitat for key birds, such as the Kirtland’s Warbler.
That’s where another important natural resource comes in: aggregates. In order to expand the nursery, currently unusable neighboring land must be contoured and flattened to make it suitable for planting tree seedlings.
The DNR is now seeking partnerships with aggregate companies to remove deposits of sand and gravel from the property in the short term to prepare it for planting. The result would be an expanded, publicly accessible recreation area that serves local residents while producing new trees for our entire state.
Additionally, while Michigan residents would benefit from this new supply of sand and gravel, — which is necessary for rebuilding road, bridge and water infrastructure — our environmental funds would benefit from new leasing fees paid to the state by aggregate mining firms.
Our member companies stand ready to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, local governments and area residents to ensure a smooth mining process that strictly follows all water, air, noise and traffic regulations. When completed, expanded local recreation opportunities, improved infrastructure and restored Michigan forests will benefit our state for decades to come.
Doug Needham is executive director of the Michigan Aggregates Association
